[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 78 (Thursday, May 27, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S6444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             YOUNG MARINES

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, in the aftermath of the tragedy 
at Columbine High School, and in the midst of our debate on Juvenile 
Justice issues, I am proud to offer tribute to the youth group known as 
the Young Marines. The Young Marines is the official youth program of 
the Marine Corps League and the focal point for the Marine Corps Youth 
drug demand reduction effort. Its mission is to promote the mental, 
moral, and physical development of young Americans. All of its 
activities emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, 
loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, community, and 
family.
  After World War II, members of the Marine Corps League discussed the 
possibility of establishing a Marine Corps League Youth program as a 
civic project for detachments and to create interest in the League. For 
historical purposes, the birth of the Young Marines was in Waterbury, 
Connecticut in 1958. The official charter was issued on 17 October 1965 
and thereafter the program spread thought the country.
  In this age where the youth of America has been labeled as troubled 
or misguided, their detractor's fail to notice that there are groups 
and organizations which do take the time to participate in the lives of 
our youth, to guide them in a world that is full of distractions, and 
of glorified violence. It makes me very proud to be able to identify an 
organization whose goals are to promote the mental, moral, and physical 
development of its members, to instill in its members the ideals of 
honesty, fairness, courage, to stimulate an interest in, and respect 
for, academic achievement and the history and traditions of the United 
States of America. The Young Marines work to promote physical fitness 
through the conduct of physical activities, including participation in 
athletic events and close order drill. Any maybe what is most 
important, the Young Marines stress a drug-free lifestyle through a 
continual drug prevention education program.
  Much has been said about the troubles of today's youth, and recent 
events have illustrated what can happen when teens consider themselves 
outsiders or without purpose or guidance. I think it's time that we 
give the recognition and respect to the groups and the youth who do 
participate in these groups, that which they deserve. I believe that 
the guidance that groups such as the Young Marines provide is more 
effective than any legislation can possibly be. And maybe we can start 
producing real role models that teens can relate to, instead of 
offering them the glorification of violence and drug use which is so 
prevalent in the movies and on television. I welcome the opportunity to 
extend my support to the young people of New Mexico who are 
participants in this vital program. I firmly believe the experience as 
Young Marines will greatly contribute to their future success.

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